Extra-hoop long shot breaks deadlock

Winners and runners-up: An extra hoop was needed to separate the top two combinations in the golf croquet handicap doubles tournament that started the Barry Memorial Croquet Club's summer season. Brandishing their mallets are (from left) winners Geoff Harkess and Dave Newton and runners-up Glenis Ebbett and Per Elzen. Picture supplied

Barry Memorial Croquet Club members started their summer season with the Jenny Virtue Golf Croquet Handicap Doubles.

Nine pairs played off in two sections. It was a good opportunity for three members who joined the club only a week earlier to be introduced to tournament play.

They quickly learned they had to listen to the advice of their partners if they were to be successful.

Playing with and being guided by experienced player Rob Hayes, new member Lorina Collins showed great potential. She and Hayes finished a creditable second in Division 1, with two wins and two draws.

Another of the new members, James Martin, also showed he has a big future in the game. He is a quick learner and — mentored by playing partner Charles Ostler — was hitting opponents' balls away with ease by the end of the tournament. Martin and Ostler finished second in Division 2.

Once Taan Rawiri was convinced by partner John Wilson that hitting a croquet ball uses a technique different from that used in smashing a hockey ball, she improved quickly.

Winners of Section 1 were Per Elzen and Glenis Ebbett, who played steady croquet all day. Ebbett is beginning to play more confidently, and protected her partner's ball under pressure at a couple of crucial hoops, enabling Elzen to run them successfully. They won three games and drew one.

In Section 2, Dave Newton and Geoff Harkess — also with a record of three wins and a draw — proved too strong for the rest.

At the beginning of this year, Harkess was encouraged to play by his daughters, who shouted him his subscription. What a present it has proved to be. He is going from strength to strength and absolutely loving the game.

In the final round, all pairs played off according to the placings they had in their sections. The game to determine the tournament winners was a nail-biter.

At the end of the 50-minute time limit, the Elzen-Ebbett and Newton-Harkess pairs were tied, 6-6, and a 13th hoop was needed to separate them. The other players were now spectators and they saw some cagey play. The advantage went back and forth until Harkess, encouraged by Newton, tried a long shot that breezed through the hoop. It was a fitting finish to a long but enjoyable day supported by sponsor Jenny Virtue.